13.6.2  Birthing supplies the mother should prepare

The birthing supplies that a pregnant woman and her family should be advised to prepare before the delivery are listed below (and see Figure 13.2):

• Very clean cloths to put under the mother and for drying and covering the newborn
• New razor blade to cut the cord
• Very clean and new string to tie the cord
• Soap, a scrubbing brush and (if possible) medical alcohol for disinfection
• Clean water for drinking and for washing the mother and your hands
• Three large buckets or bowls
• Supplies for making rehydration drinks, ‘atmit’ or tea
• Flashlight if there is no electricity in the area.

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Figure 13.2  Supplies the woman should prepare in readiness for the birth.